Sunday, February 22, 2015

2015 Season Kickoff at Granite Bay

 
 
I kicked off my 2015 race season this weekend at the Total Body Fitness MTB Challenge in Granite Bay, and it was a great way to jump back into the race scene before the first NICA NorCal League race of the season next weekend at Fort Ord near Monterey, California.
 
 
Start line.
Today's race was challenging for everyone who participated especially for Expert and Pro riders who raced 32 miles.  I had a good start and was able to establish a spot in the lead group, that I maintained for most of the race.  I felt very strong until lap three when I started to bonk, despite this set back I was still able to keep up a solid pace.
 
 
By the final lap some racers started putting down the hammer in order to try and secure the top spot, and I tried hard not to get dropped by the top three riders. 
 
 
Unfortunately with only about 3 miles to the finish line I suffered a hard crash that slammed me head first into the ground twisting my stem/handlebars and seat post to an unrideable state, as well as breaking off my Garmin GPS which I did not notice until I finished.  After readjusting my cockpit I tried to hammer back into the finish and was able to finish 5th place in the competitive  High School Expert category.
 
Finish Line!
Despite the crash I am very happy with my result and had a lot of fun racing out there today.  Looking forward to next weekend's NorCal League race where I compete at the varsity level!
 
Getting checked up on at the EMT tent.
Saturday's pre-ride.
 Photos courtesy of Mike Meeske and TBF Facebook page.